Traditionally, when a loved one passes away, family and close friends send flowers as a sympathy gift. These flowers can be given directly to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or sent to the funeral director and be used during the funeral service. However, flowers may not always feel like the right way to say that you care. It could be that you know that those grieving don’t like flowers and your worried they would see them as a waste. Some people also find that the site of wilting flowers as a reminder of death after the funeral service has taken place. So, if you feel like showing you care in a unique way, S. Stibbards & Sons have created this blog to help you choose an alternative gift for bereaved friends and family.
A Charity Donation
Making a charity donation is one of the most popular alternatives to sympathy flowers, especially if the deceased had a favourite charity. Moreover, if the deceased didn’t have insurance in place or their family has little money to put towards the funeral service, making a charitable donation to them can be a thoughtful way of helping keep costs to a minimal.
A Memorial Book
Spending the time to create a book of memories for those grieving can be a beautiful alternative to sending flowers. It could include a collection of photographs that the family might not have seen before or include a selection of their favourites. You could also include some hand-written memories of their loved one.
Self-care Gifts
When somebody passes away, one of the most difficult things for family members and close friends to cope with is looking after themselves. By choosing self-care gifts as an alternative to flowers can be a lovely way of letting them know that you care and gives them the opportunity to take time for themselves.
A Bench Plaque
A bench plaque can be a heartfelt and long-lasting gift to those who have passed away. They can be quite expensive, but if you ask your family and friends to come together and donate towards the cost instead of buying flowers, then they can be a beautiful tribute to the deceased.
A Unique Ornament
Unique ornaments are becoming an increasingly popular gift as an alternative to sympathy flowers. Whether it’s an engraved memorial wooden cube or a photo frame with kind words in it, an ornament is a great way to show how much you care.
A Potted Plant
For those who want to stick close to tradition, consider sending a potted plant from your own garden. Grieving family members can transfer your gift into their garden and have a lasting tribute to their loved one.
Food
Food hampers can be a lovely way of supporting a family who are grieving the death of a loved one. Gifting them food is a considerate way of showing that you care especially if you made the food yourself. By taking away the stress of preparing food means you are enabling them to through this emotionally challenging time without additional worries.
A Candle
Candles are traditionally associated with mourning and are much longer-lasting gift and alternative to sympathy flowers. Many people find that lighting a candle and taking time out can be a positive way of remembering the life of their loved one.
Write a Heartfelt Letter
Tell the family how much you appreciated their loved one. A letter works well if you were closer to the deceased than to the family. You could tell stories about their loved one that they might not have heard before and recall fond memories, so that they have an opportunity to smile during this emotionally challenging time.
A Kind Gesture
Showing your loved ones that you care in times of grief can often mean a lot more than spending money on money on gifts. Whether you invite them round for dinner or offer to do their shopping for them, kind gestures can go a long way when somebody has passed away.
We Are Here To Help
We can help you choose an alternative gift for your family and friends if you wish. S. Stibbards & Sons have five generations of experience serving our local community since 1867, which means that every little detail matters to us just as much as it matters to you. If you choose us, we will arrange a time to come and visit you in your own home to discuss your loved one’s funeral and the order of service. If you would like to discuss an alternative gift with S. Stibbards & Sons, please get in touch through our contact page today.
